Considering a W220 S600 vs S55/65 AMG
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From: Chicago
GL550
I am a bit of a modding freak (I'll try to post up pix of my 325 track car and you'll know what I mean)... I am having a bit of trouble getting excited about the S55 because its supercharged and has 500hp/tq. The S600 has 500hp and almost 600tq. Renntech (http://www.renntechmercedes.com/s_220.php) offers ECU/tranny chips for the S600 for $5400 that bump the hp up to 625 and the tq up to 745ft-lbs. 
I realize that the S600 would need some suspension work as well as brakes, and Renntech also offers several brake packages for the S600. By the time I'm done with the upgrades though I probably could have had the S65 in my garage..... 
I realize that the S600 would need some suspension work as well as brakes, and Renntech also offers several brake packages for the S600. By the time I'm done with the upgrades though I probably could have had the S65 in my garage..... 
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From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
The S600 is easier to mod for the most part vs the S55.
If you have the extra cash for the S65, get that - it's really silly powerful even though it's difficult to utilize 100% of its power due to traction and being in the real world. But otherwise, I think the S55 is still my favorite.
Heh, it is amazing to see how the value for these cars go down so rapidly though, the S65 used to be $200k, and you can find one only a few years old in the $40k range now.
If you have the extra cash for the S65, get that - it's really silly powerful even though it's difficult to utilize 100% of its power due to traction and being in the real world. But otherwise, I think the S55 is still my favorite.
Heh, it is amazing to see how the value for these cars go down so rapidly though, the S65 used to be $200k, and you can find one only a few years old in the $40k range now.
Last edited by rondocap; Jan 15, 2010 at 05:28 PM.
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'14 E63S & '14 Audi SQ5
I am a bit of a modding freak (I'll try to post up pix of my 325 track car and you'll know what I mean)... I am having a bit of trouble getting excited about the S55 because its supercharged and has 500hp/tq. The S600 has 500hp and almost 600tq. Renntech (http://www.renntechmercedes.com/s_220.php) offers ECU/tranny chips for the S600 for $5400 that bump the hp up to 625 and the tq up to 745ft-lbs. I realize that the S600 would need some suspension work as well as brakes, and Renntech also offers several brake packages for the S600. By the time I'm done with the upgrades though I probably could have had the S65 in my garage.....
I realize that the S600 would need some suspension work as well as brakes, and Renntech also offers several brake packages for the S600. By the time I'm done with the upgrades though I probably could have had the S65 in my garage..... Tom
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From: Commierado
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The S600 is easier to mod for the most part vs the S55.
If you have the extra cash for the S65, get that - it's really silly powerful even though it's difficult to utilize 100% of its power due to traction and being in the real world. But otherwise, I think the S55 is still my favorite.
Heh, it is amazing to see how the value for these cars go down so rapidly though, the S65 used to be $200k, and you can find one only a few years old in the $40k range now.
If you have the extra cash for the S65, get that - it's really silly powerful even though it's difficult to utilize 100% of its power due to traction and being in the real world. But otherwise, I think the S55 is still my favorite.
Heh, it is amazing to see how the value for these cars go down so rapidly though, the S65 used to be $200k, and you can find one only a few years old in the $40k range now.
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From: Commierado
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Alright so after I've now talked myself into an S65 (thanks guys ) provided I actually can swing it... What quirks does the car have? Where is it lacking? What needs to be upgraded? Are there any parts about the car drives you up the wall?
) provided I actually can swing it... What quirks does the car have? Where is it lacking? What needs to be upgraded? Are there any parts about the car drives you up the wall?
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From: Commierado
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From: Chicago
GL550
My general advice is figure out what you want. I wanted a clean car with certain options and was open to colors. A friend of mine bought a car with a little less miles and less options but not "perfect" for more than 10% less money than me plus it was black on black. If you are big on options, this will greatly limit the available cars because few of these are "fully loaded". If you are flexible on options and colors, you will have much better chance of finding a nice one. But every car I looked at had paintwork of some sort or another. Mine was the ONLY one that didnt (I dont count bumpers). Not saying the paint jobs were all bad, just that it wasnt original. I WANTED an original no paintwork car. I was willing to pay a bit more for that and compromise on the color. These are the things that you will need to figure out for yourself.
Also, mileage may affect the price of warranty. I would go with easycare or certified if possible. People say good things about the chrysler warranty but I personally dont have any experience with it. obviously you've seen that people are willing to drive these w/o warranties. I am not one of those brave people...
But bottom line is when you call the sellers, be sure to ask all questions, and be sure to get an inspection by someone qualified.
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From: chicago burbs
fast cars and faster motorcycles ..
before you buy the 65 and sell the 55 short i would DRIVE BOTH.
the 55 motor (SL) that i have is pretty great and the 65 motor (S) is from God but it does have some quirks in an S.
i assume that the 55 motor car is 200 or 300lbs lighter..
everything in life is a tradeoff..
very fast cars but you are still pushing lots of weight.
but amg all the way, with a service contract.
.......................
the funny thing about BVLDARI is that he is a very young guy, acting like an old guy, driving a S65..
.
Last edited by JR.; Jan 15, 2010 at 09:10 PM.
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2006 s65. Ford Excursion 6.0. Pontiac GTO convertible. Porsche 944 Turbo SCCA car. Wife-E550 and 968
..
before you buy the 65 and sell the 55 short i would DRIVE BOTH.
the 55 motor (SL) that i have is pretty great and the 65 motor (S) is from God but it does have some quirks in an S.
i assume that the 55 motor car is 200 or 300lbs lighter..
everything in life is a tradeoff..
very fast cars but you are still pushing lots of weight.
but amg all the way, with a service contract.
.......................
the funny thing about BVLDARI is that he is a very young guy, acting like an old guy, driving a S65..
.
before you buy the 65 and sell the 55 short i would DRIVE BOTH.
the 55 motor (SL) that i have is pretty great and the 65 motor (S) is from God but it does have some quirks in an S.
i assume that the 55 motor car is 200 or 300lbs lighter..
everything in life is a tradeoff..
very fast cars but you are still pushing lots of weight.
but amg all the way, with a service contract.
.......................
the funny thing about BVLDARI is that he is a very young guy, acting like an old guy, driving a S65..
.
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From: Aiken, SC
2007 S600
I LOVE my S55. And with Kleeman mods I doubt any stock 600 or 65 is going to "walk all over me". You can buy a nice S55 for MUCH less than the 65, do the mods and still be way ahead $ wise. I also happen to prefer the last gen body style. BUT, if you have to have the newer look go with the 65 AMG. Just like Porsches non-turbos versus turbos, when AMG reworks a car you get a whole lot more than just a hotrod engine. You get better brakes, suspension, etc. Go with AMG cars in eityher case, S55 or 65 and forget about trying to turn a 600 luxobarge into a hotrod Yes you 600 owners, I know there a lots of very fast 600s out there and on a drag strip you may get there a few ticks faster but do you dare go to a track with corners? And no I am not so dillusional to think my S is an ideal track car; it is just lighter and better for the twisties than a 600.
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From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
Zachmac, I think he is talking about the W220 s65 too - so it will look the same as your S55.
In terms of what to look for when buying the car - I'll let the owners of S65's chime in with details, but it's a W220 with beefy upgrades - so it will still have some W220 related issues that even an S430 may have. Check up on common problems, or even maintenance issues. (Like when motor mounts fail, wear and tear items, etc)
I agree with you that it's great having something you can get instant power out of and it goes with little throttle input - drive an S55 too, and I think it has that as well. Ultimately the S65 is more powerful, but it will be up to you price wise if it's worth it vs a S55 or S600.
In terms of what to look for when buying the car - I'll let the owners of S65's chime in with details, but it's a W220 with beefy upgrades - so it will still have some W220 related issues that even an S430 may have. Check up on common problems, or even maintenance issues. (Like when motor mounts fail, wear and tear items, etc)
I agree with you that it's great having something you can get instant power out of and it goes with little throttle input - drive an S55 too, and I think it has that as well. Ultimately the S65 is more powerful, but it will be up to you price wise if it's worth it vs a S55 or S600.
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From: Chicago
GL550
Haha, I agree with JR except that I am NOT trying to act like an old guy LOL.
But given that I was pushing for the 65 it is only fair that I give you the other side.
First, the 55 is indeed 500lbs lighter – at least according to online specifications. That in itself certainly makes it feel like an easier car to get rolling and feels nimbler and lighter. I don’t know how to say this better, but the 55 feels easier to live with daily.
The 65 is a tank on super steroids and then turbos and needs to be treated with a lot of respect. I think the 55 demands less respect (I use this loosely), and will be an easier car to live with day to day.
I will also again second that if you are going to spend $10k or whatever making a 600 into a 65, you might as well buy a 65.
So my recommendation is – go drive 55 and 65 before you get yourself hyped up too much about either and realize that one does not quite fit the bill.
But given that I was pushing for the 65 it is only fair that I give you the other side.
First, the 55 is indeed 500lbs lighter – at least according to online specifications. That in itself certainly makes it feel like an easier car to get rolling and feels nimbler and lighter. I don’t know how to say this better, but the 55 feels easier to live with daily.
The 65 is a tank on super steroids and then turbos and needs to be treated with a lot of respect. I think the 55 demands less respect (I use this loosely), and will be an easier car to live with day to day.
I will also again second that if you are going to spend $10k or whatever making a 600 into a 65, you might as well buy a 65.
So my recommendation is – go drive 55 and 65 before you get yourself hyped up too much about either and realize that one does not quite fit the bill.
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1987 Buick GNX,SL65 Black, 1987 Buick Turbo Limited, 2010 GT500
I met a guy who owned a S55 2003 with 231k miles
He sold it 3 months ago for $17k and bought a new S63... he said the car was perfect...looked like a low mile car and he had no problems with the car passed 50k miles...really nice guy...he also owns a CL55 and a few other cars...so it does show these cars can hold miles well into the hundreds of thousands...It is funny I always think when I sell a car with more then average miles on it that a buyer assumes an AMG is like a FERRARI and should not be driven so many miles or is a broken down useless car......LOL...yeah
I have a 125k mile S55 I am starting to advertise for $20k it has 125k miles...and honestly it is like a new car ride and drive... Very impressed actually....but then again why should I be....Our cars are built like tanks and with the best materials available .....if you can get 500,000 out of a Chevrolet Pick-up...(have seen this a few times) then why not a BENZ???
I have seen 350k miles on a few Town Car LIMOS.....and they were actually mechanically original and running excellent....and I am sure a Benz is better built then a Ford? Maybe I am wrong? LOL
I have a 125k mile S55 I am starting to advertise for $20k it has 125k miles...and honestly it is like a new car ride and drive... Very impressed actually....but then again why should I be....Our cars are built like tanks and with the best materials available .....if you can get 500,000 out of a Chevrolet Pick-up...(have seen this a few times) then why not a BENZ???
I have seen 350k miles on a few Town Car LIMOS.....and they were actually mechanically original and running excellent....and I am sure a Benz is better built then a Ford? Maybe I am wrong? LOL
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1987 Buick GNX,SL65 Black, 1987 Buick Turbo Limited, 2010 GT500
I own both right now
I personally own a 2006 S65 with 61k miles..
and as well a S55 2004 with 125k miles...
both of these cars drive like a 20k mile cars and if I told you they were you wouldnt second guess it...
The 55 and 65 are only a few hundred lbs. difference.........in the brakes and the engine...
The 65 feels much quicker and the torque puts u into another level..
the 55 on the other hand feels a little more nimble yet after 65 mph is seems to be very flat...out of the hole it takes off well...nothing like the 65 though..and the 55 like driving a smooth v8...it jerks a little and is more sensitive...yet the 65 is super linear and just pulls
and as well a S55 2004 with 125k miles...
both of these cars drive like a 20k mile cars and if I told you they were you wouldnt second guess it...
The 55 and 65 are only a few hundred lbs. difference.........in the brakes and the engine...
The 65 feels much quicker and the torque puts u into another level..
the 55 on the other hand feels a little more nimble yet after 65 mph is seems to be very flat...out of the hole it takes off well...nothing like the 65 though..and the 55 like driving a smooth v8...it jerks a little and is more sensitive...yet the 65 is super linear and just pulls
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From: Chicago
GL550
you might want to read throug this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...0-vs-sl65.html . I realise it pertains to SLs but there are some inherent similarities between the SLs and the Ss...
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LS430
For super sleeper, nothing comes close to the S600 w/ a Eurocharged or aftermarket tuned, like Tom said, muffler delete or a custom setup like what FluidMotorUnion did to a S65 only on a S600 and it will sound great. For ease of power the S600 is insane. ECU Tune and 500+rwhp and 600+rwhp and hit mid 11s all day. The S55 though makes more grunting noises and has more aftermarket available. I would love to see someone take the V12 BiTurbo platform up a notch with better ICs,Turbos, etc. The IC part happened but it wasn't as mainstream since VRP is now gone.
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Posts: 445
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From: USA
2018 S63, lowered
I too was in a debate whether to purchase the 600 or the 65. My brother let me drive his 600 for a week before I decided to sell my weekend driver Pro-Charged Vette and buy a V-12 bi-turb for my DD. His car had me convinced I wanted the V12 TT, but I couldnt decide if I wanted to fork up the extra 12-14k for a 65 vs. the 600. Well, I ended up doing just that and bought an '06 65.....and am sooooooo glad I decided to splurge on the AMG. The seats, brakes, 6.0 vs 5.5 liter, dash cluster, quad pipes and the raw perfomance make it worth every penny. It's the best decesion I've ever made.....buying the S65. I'll never own anything else.....it's paradise, everyday .
What else can you drive that'll seat 5 large adults and run mid 11's in pure luxury......under warranty. It's a no brainer........
Check out the vid in my sig.....how bout them apples?
-Busa196-
. What else can you drive that'll seat 5 large adults and run mid 11's in pure luxury......under warranty. It's a no brainer........
Check out the vid in my sig.....how bout them apples?
-Busa196-
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From: Chicago
GL550
Busa, this is a bit OT, but I really would like to know, did you run your car completely stock (including tires) in the 1/4, and if you did, how well did it do? The 11.5 you got was that with software or completely stock car on DR? And have you run the car after the software upgrade? Thanks.
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From: OC, Socal
03 S600,05 E55,02 996TTx50,11 997 3.8GT3RS
I'd like to keep the track car, but I'll probably end up selling it too unfortunately. I am not going to track it. At most I'd take it to my local drag strip for s**** and giggles every now and again. The expensive repair bills scare me a bit, but I am not overly concerned with the idea. I plan on at least attempting to work on the car myself...but we'll see how long that lasts. I am turning 20 in April. On the street I cannot stand cars without torque. The BMW's drive me up the wall because yes they have horsepower but very little torque. At least for my taste. I like to be able to get off the line very fast without using 6000rpm to do so.
Seriously, my honest vote is S600 with AMG sport pkg then Eurocharged/LET custom dyno tune $1,500 & more aggressive porterfield pads will be enough for streets then go race S65/S55. Even the S65 feels like a pig in handling dept. The $ saved vs S65, you can keep your rare E36M3 for alternate days when you get bored driving these straightline autobahn machines. Trust me, i had few E46/E36M3s previously so know what you expect. I first bought my E55 then S600 rather than S65 because i couldn't believe how amazingly quiet smooth & fast the S600 are when taking off like a 747 but with no exhaust noises. I just didn't want another louder AMG exhaust for DD, but for you i think you'll add an exhaust due to your age. S55 wrong choice because you'll have to spend atleast $10Gs to make it comparable fast to a tuned V12tt & that's from an E55 current owner. If i were you, i'll get a turbo sports car with alot of torque & get way more chicks than S65 similiar price range. GL.
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1987 Buick GNX,SL65 Black, 1987 Buick Turbo Limited, 2010 GT500
Possibly putting my S65 up for sale
This is my personal car----I have a loan on it---
$44k obo
It is a Iridium Silver on Black with :
Keyless Go
rear seat option not four place seating which nobody wants
(the rear seat are a/c-heated with reclining)
Parktronic
Rear power trunk
Nav ofcourse
I am the third owner- second owner was a fanatic..first owner only owned cars for short time...I will supply the VMI--clean Autocheck--no paintwork
Brand new brakes only 3 months old- new alignment and brand new Nitto Invo Tires only 2 weeks old....oil change and air filter(k&n) a month old
Needs nothing...rides and drives as new...
currently has 61k miles...I bought it with 58k miles
no warranty- Didnt want one.....I have a lot of confidence in these cars after owning a lot of them and I have a independent mechanic I use
ofcourse a warranty is about $2400
Why am I considering selling...because I am buying another house and the bank just pulled my Credit and will not loan based on this loan I currently have
with this car----really sucks..I have a 4.4% rate with chase ...I bought the car cash then put a loan on it...no sense in holding up $45k..my interest is only $100 a month....
@ $40k the payment will be under $800 a month...and after a year you will already have paid off about $10k in principal..not bad huh..the car will not ever be a $30k car ..even with 100k miles...trust me..they only built 420 of them..and they can run a 250k miles easy
CHASE is the way to go on a loan...PERIOD...
SO let me know...this is not an emergency...I can buy the house outright but I prefer to put paper on it...
Mark
$44k obo
It is a Iridium Silver on Black with :
Keyless Go
rear seat option not four place seating which nobody wants
(the rear seat are a/c-heated with reclining)
Parktronic
Rear power trunk
Nav ofcourse
I am the third owner- second owner was a fanatic..first owner only owned cars for short time...I will supply the VMI--clean Autocheck--no paintwork
Brand new brakes only 3 months old- new alignment and brand new Nitto Invo Tires only 2 weeks old....oil change and air filter(k&n) a month old
Needs nothing...rides and drives as new...
currently has 61k miles...I bought it with 58k miles
no warranty- Didnt want one.....I have a lot of confidence in these cars after owning a lot of them and I have a independent mechanic I use
ofcourse a warranty is about $2400
Why am I considering selling...because I am buying another house and the bank just pulled my Credit and will not loan based on this loan I currently have
with this car----really sucks..I have a 4.4% rate with chase ...I bought the car cash then put a loan on it...no sense in holding up $45k..my interest is only $100 a month....
@ $40k the payment will be under $800 a month...and after a year you will already have paid off about $10k in principal..not bad huh..the car will not ever be a $30k car ..even with 100k miles...trust me..they only built 420 of them..and they can run a 250k miles easy
CHASE is the way to go on a loan...PERIOD...
SO let me know...this is not an emergency...I can buy the house outright but I prefer to put paper on it...
Mark
